June 12 protest: Falana demands rescue of abducted pupils, teachers + Video

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called for the immediate release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, saying the victims are enduring harsh conditions in captivity.

Falana made the call on Thursday during a June 12 protest held to draw attention to insecurity, economic hardship and concerns about Nigeria’s democratic development.

Addressing protesters, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria said the demonstration was partly organised to demand urgent action over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno states.

e said: “We are protesting kidnapping of our children in Oyo State, we are also protesting injustice in our country, a situation whereby innocent school children in Oyo and Borno State have been in the custody of criminals for several weeks now.

“We are also protesting injustice meted out to young people who are regularly arrested on the highways by the police.” Falana also linked the protest to wider economic concerns.

He said: “We are also protesting hunger in the land, poverty in the land and we are calling on the government that there is no basis for poverty in Nigeria. Our country has enormous material, natural resources and capital resources to make our people happy.”

Speaking on the condition of the abducted victims, Falana said they were facing serious hardship while in captivity.

He said: “Those kids are suffering. No medical attention, no food for them. And so for us as Nigerians, all of us are in custody, one way or the other. “And we demand the immediate release of those children and their teachers.”

The senior lawyer further alleged that one of the teachers had been killed by the abductors.

He said: “As you are well aware, a teacher has been beheaded in order to convince the government to move speedily to have those children released.”

Falana also used the occasion to reflect on the significance of June 12, thanking Nigerians who participated in the protest.

He said: “We also want to thank you for coming out today to mark the June 12 anniversary. “As you are well aware, there is no democracy in Nigeria. What we have is civil rule. Civilian administration. The struggle for democracy must continue.”

He also appreciated members of the media for covering the protest and urged Nigerians to remain actively engaged in civic issues affecting the country.

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